Monday, February 18, 2019

Zoya Akhtar's hip-hop music drama Gully Boy is inspired by the real lives of Indian rappers Naezy and Divine, and while she and co-writer Reema Kagti do not directly retell the pair's actual stories, real and reel lives converge at a crucial moment in the film where their 2015 viral hit "Mere Gully Mein" ("In My Street") is recreated. The song and the making of its video occurs in the film at a similar juncture in the Naezy-inspired lead character Murad's (Ranveer Singh) career as an Internet-driven, game-changing breakthrough. More important from Akhtar's storytelling perspective, however, are the broader thematic parallels. As propulsive and infectious as it is musically--after all, it's easier to use an existing earworm than to attempt to create an original one--lyrically it also reinforces the film's key message of giving voice to the too-often-overlooked urban reality for many in India and, most importantly, celebrating the vibrant, living community that fuels both the central character's and his real life model's art.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

OLIVIA WILDE TO RECEIVECINEMACON® BREAKTHROUGH DIRECTOR
OF THE YEAR AWARD

Wilde's directorial debut Booksmart to be released
by United Artists Releasing on May 24, 2019

WASHINGTON D.C. (February 14, 2019) – Olivia Wilde will receive this year’s “CinemaCon® Breakthrough Director of the Year Award.” Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon, announced the award today. CinemaCon, the official convention of NATO, will be held April 1-4, 2019 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Wilde will be presented with this special honor at the “CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards” ceremony taking place on the evening of Thursday, April 4, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, hosted by the Coca-Cola Company, the official presenting sponsor of CinemaCon.

“With a dedication to telling stories that need to be heard, Olivia Wilde is bringing her voice to the big screen in her own way with Booksmart,” noted Neuhauser. “Bringing a new perspective to the mind of young women; audiences across the globe are sure to be entertained by this brilliant directorial debut.”

Wilde’s directorial debut Booksmart starring Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein will be released on May 24, 2019 by United Artists Releasing. Told from a wildly original, fresh and modern perspective, Booksmart is an unfiltered comedy about high school friendships and the bonds we create that last a lifetime. Booksmart is produced by Annapurna and Gloria Sanchez, the female-focused production banner wing of Gary Sanchez Productions.

Recognized as one of Variety’s Directors to Watch this year, the director, producer, actress and activist has entertained audiences in film, television and Broadway. Recently, she produced and starred in A Vigilante as a secretive figure that rids victims of their domestic abusers. The film will be released in theaters on March 29, 2019. Wilde also produced and starred in the drama Meadowland. Both films garnered Wilde critical acclaim for her emotionally charged performances. Her additional past film credits include her, Rush, and Drinking Buddies. In 2017, Wilde made her Broadway debut in 1984, starring alongside Tom Sturridge and Reed Birney. On the television side, Wilde has stared in the rock ‘n’ roll drama Vinyl and the hit medical drama House. Along with her work in front of the camera, Wilde has served as executive producer on Drinking Buddies, as well as several documentary films including Fear Us Women, and the Oscar-nominated Body Team 12. She has directed videos for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero’s. Wilde co-founded the philanthropic company, Conscious Commerce, was recently honored by Save the Children and is a board member of Artists for Peace and Justice and the ACLU of Southern California.

CinemaCon will attract upwards of 6,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry--from exhibition and distribution, to the equipment and concession areas--all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. From exclusive Hollywood product presentations highlighting a slate of upcoming films, to must-see premiere feature screenings, to the biggest stars, producers and directors, CinemaCon will help jumpstart the excitement and buzz that surrounds the summer season at the box office.

The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 33,393 movie screens in all 50 states, and additional cinemas in 94 countries worldwide. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world and hundreds of independent theatre owners, too.

Thursday, February 7, 2019

WASHINGTON D.C. (February 7, 2019) – Helen Moss, Senior Vice President of International Distribution, Paramount Pictures will receive this year’s “Passepartout Award,” Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon announced today. The CinemaCon “Passepartout Award” is presented annually to an industry executive who demonstrates dedication and commitment to the international marketplace. CinemaCon, the official convention of NATO, will be held April 1-4, 2019 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Moss will be presented with this honor at the International Day Luncheon taking place on Monday, April 1, 2019.

“With over a decade of experience in the international film business Helen Moss has continuously shown her dedication to the international film community through her work with both exhibition and distribution,” noted Neuhauser. “We are honored that we are able to present her with this year’s ‘Passepartout Award.’”

Prior to joining Paramount Pictures, Moss managed European finance and planning for Expedia.com, in addition to roles at Intercontinental Hotels Group and Oriflame International. She is a guest speaker at the University of Southern California on fundamentals of the international theatrical business and is also a qualified accountant.

CinemaCon will attract upwards of 6,000 motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry--from exhibition and distribution, to the equipment and concession areas--all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. From exclusive Hollywood product presentations highlighting a slate of upcoming films, to must-see premiere feature screenings, to the biggest stars, producers and directors, CinemaCon will help jumpstart the excitement and buzz that surrounds the summer season at the box office.

The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 33,393 movie screens in all 50 states, and additional cinemas in 94 countries worldwide. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world and hundreds of independent theatre owners, too.